Los Altos Cello Instructors

Chris D.

Verified review

Amy is a terrific teacher. An outstanding, Curtis-trained musician herself, Amy brings the exacting precision of high level artistry to her pedagogy, but at the same time makes it fun. She is a perfectionist with regard to technique and focuses in with laser precision on flaws in bowing, finger position, wrist flexibility, posture and, of course, the myriad elements of musical interpretation. You really feel like you've gotten a thorough work out by the time it's over, yet she's always cherubic! She also makes it seem like a mutual, adventurous discovery, even though it's all got to be cello 101 for her--which I appreciate since I'm an older student. She happily shares her vast knowledge, spanning all periods of music from the medieval to the post-modern, and has thoughtful insights on musicology, currents in musical development, even theories of tuning. A talented pianist, Amy can accompany on the piano as well, which is a bonus. But when she accompanies you on the cello, she makes even a beginner sound like a pro. She also speaks excellent Italian! Perhaps the greatest compliment I can add after all this is that I bring my daughter for cello lessons with Amy as well. I recommend her to cellists at any level from beginner to pros just needing an intelligent set of ears.

Petra W.

Judy N.

Verified review

I love my lessons with Marcie! Her attitude is friendly, supportive, and positive in every way. She sets high standards for intonation and technique, and challenges me with the classics, theory, and improvisation. She's an accomplished cellist both as a player and teacher.

Lori H.

Verified review

Andy Ly deserves way more than 5 stars! I am an adult (40+) cello learner, and former HS symphonic band flute player. I only knew two things about the cello when I arrived to my first lesson with Andy--1) I love how the cello sounds and 2) I wanted to learn to play the cello. I have since learned that the cello's capabilities are only limited by the player, which could be overwhelming for an extreme novice like me. But! Andy is very patient and flexible, and has a good sense of humor (for when my bow has a mind of its own and my notes fall scratchy and flat...or painfully sharp). Andy weekly adapts his teaching to my strengths and limitations, slowly coaxing the cello player out of me. Andy masterfully teaches how to play the cello, how to read music, best ways to practice, and passes on to his students a historical knowledge and love of the cello and the pure joy of playing cello music.

Monica R.

Verified review

I've been taking cello lessons with Crystal for a year now; although, I played as a kid my technique was gone after the 20 years that passed since then.
I feel so grateful to have found her; much of her method of teaching is geared towards changing old thought pattern.
If your lucky to book weekly lessons with her jump on the opportunity if you want to learn cello, or further immerse yourself in learning cello.

Agnes L.

Verified review

Julie Mae is a good violin teacher. I've learned a lot from her. She's very good in teaching her students the right techniques in achieving good intonation and learning how to play the music the right way.

Natanya F.

About

Being so fortunate to have studied with some of the greatest and most influential musicians of all time, it is my philosophy and need as a teacher to pass on the rich traditions, powerful stories and in depth knowledge of fine cello playing to as many inquisitive minds as I can.
My name is Gabriel Beistline and I have just graduated from Rice University obtaining my Masters degree in cello performance. I was a student of Lynn Harrell's at Rice. I received my Bachelors degree in cello performance from the New England Conservatory of music in Boston, MA under Yeesun Kim, cellist in the acclaimed Borromeo string quartet.
I had a large studio of cello students while in Boston and Houston and am beginning to fill my studio in San Francisco. My schedule is flexible and rates, negotiable of course.
I specialize in teaching highly advanced, pre-college teenagers, but love teaching anyone! I have taught many complete beginners to advanced (or novice) adults. There is no person who should be deprived of their ability to learn music. I focus, of course, on technique however I like to incorporate music appreciation into the lessons as well. I show the student how to listen to the music and subsequently how to play it. If you are interested in lessons for your child, I have had many parents tell me that learning music has improved their child's ability to focus in school and resulted in higher grades and achievements. Learning music simply makes you smarter! If you are an adult, many of my former students say it is a great way to relieve stress and unwind after work. Lessons provide a creative outlet for expression on a weekly basis and will pull you into the powerfully inspiring world that is music.
Gabriel Beistline
Read student reviews and more about the studio at on website (to the right)

Matt J.

Verified review

Mrs. J. is a professional music teacher. She is very patient with myself and 12 year old child when we did back to back lessons. It seems she was able to tailor the lesson to each of our musical abilities. The rate was very reasonable for two half-hour lessons and was provided the option of the being at my house or hers which made scheduling flexible. She also introduced many new instruments to both of us and was able to give my son an introduction to both brass and woodwind instruments while still maintaining piano lessons. Overall the lessons are fast paced but she will work with you to identify problem areas and has offered many helpful tips and practicing routines.

Jennifer C.

Verified review

Christine was a very encouraging and kind teacher. She really wanted me to do well and gave me some of the best lessons I've received. I highly recommend taking lessons from her; you're guaranteed to improve. 5 stars!!!

About

About

Santa Teresa Academy of Music and Dance was established to bring exceptional music and dance instruction to the city of San Jose. Our beautifully designed facility includes professional floating hardwood dance floors and sound dampened music rooms with windows in every door. Teachers at our school are experts in their instrument or dance style and are experienced in working with students of all levels, especially beginners.
We offer dance classes in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, preschool dance and parent and tot. We are also proud to be one of very few studios in the area to teach ballroom classes for children and teens, as well as adults. We offer private music instruction, as well as group classes in piano, guitar, voice, violin and cello. Our music lessons and dance classes are scheduled at a variety of times so that you can book classes at a time that works best for you.
We are conveniently located in the Santa Teresa area, close to Blossom Hill, Almaden Valley, Evergreen, Willow Glen, Cambrian, and South San Jose. We look forward to serving all San Jose families, as well as those in the neighboring communities of Morgan Hill, Campbell and Los Gatos. With our commitment to offering quality instruction to students of all ages and levels and our wide range of programs in music and dance, we are sure to offer just what you are looking for.

About

My motto is: Have fun and learn to play too!
My goal as a teacher is to ensure that each student enjoys learning to play their instrument - I strive to make each lesson a balance of fun and focus. If you're looking for someone who is not only an excellent player but an expert teacher and music enthusiast, you've found the right person.
Please visit my website for more information or feel free to contact me directly for available days/times. I look forward to hearing from you!

About

I provide cello instruction for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. All ages are welcome to enroll for the lesson.
I studied at Juillard and The San Francisco Conservatory of Music and have 40 years playing experience. I service Berkeley and Bay area.

About

I am a recent graduate of California State University of Sacramento in music performance and education with emphasis on cello.
I gained passion in teaching in my first year in college where I joined a program for student teaching. I pursued the "Every Child Can" certificate along with the Suzuki Book 1 training.
I started my own cello studio in my second year in college and have been growing in number of students. Now that I graduated, I would like to use my availability to more teaching and students.

About

Offering fun and insightful instruction to help you learn the fundamentals of playing the cello, forming a healthy technique to tackle great repertoire, and strategies for creative and effective practicing. I am a cellist and educator with 7 years professional experience instructing and coaching all ages and levels of students, specializing in intermediate/advanced youth and adult learners of all levels. Whether you want to build your skills so you can play chamber music with friends, to join your community orchestra, reach for more challenging solo repertoire, or simply to embark on learning cello for the first time, I want to help you gather the tools to do it.

About

About

My studio is a 5-day-a-week, one-stop shop where both students and/or adults may rent, purchase and/or repair their string instruments as they attend lessons at the same Heaney Violins location.
I teach Suzuki method piano, violin, viola, guitar, beginning cello, and recorder beginning from ages 2 1/2 upwards. Voice is also taught and other instruments including ukelele, mandolin, banjo and harmonica. South Indian karnatak violin is also an option.
Biannual recitals are held closely to the Mountain View studio location, and monthly group classes are also encouraged along with weekly instruction.
Younger Suzuki students must be accompanied by parents who will learn along with their child how to play their instrument of choice. Typically, students enroll a semester at a time, except for summer sessions which are open enrollment periods.

About

I got Doctoral degree at Arizona State University, majoring in cello performance, and got my master's degree from Mannes College of Music in New York. I also take the piano as a major instrument besides cello. I have been playing piano over 25 years, and have been teaching it over 10 years.
As an orchestral player and chamber music player, I have played in many major countries, such as Vienna, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, and The United State of America that included Carnigie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York City.